Project Manager, Operations - REMOTE from any US based location

About the role

CNO Financial Group, Inc. is seeking a Project Manager, Operations to lead and manage multiple large complex projects with budgets up to $2M. The role requires specialized expertise in at least two of the following methodologies: Waterfall, Lean/Six Sigma, Agile, or a Hybrid approach.

Responsibilities

• Manages multiple large, complex, and generally unrelated projects simultaneously, with budgets up to $2M.
• Led projects using various PPM approaches, including Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid SDLC, with specialized expertise in one or more.
• Defines and refines project scope, budget, objectives, resources, tools, success metrics, and key milestones.
• Conducts planning to set realistic targets for the project team.
• Negotiates and delivers resource commitments across departments and teams.
• Acts as liaison between Consumer Operations PMO (CO-PMO), other PMOs, and the Project Competency Center (PCC).
• Possesses strong understanding of business areas to recommend solutions for complex issues.
• Conducts complex process mapping, recommends and executes process improvements, and manages Agile/sprint-based implementations.
• Develops plans to address complex risks and issues; recommend PMO best practices.
• Reviews quality management methods and plans accordingly.
• Uses creative problem-solving to modify processes and procedures, providing significant input into overall project management for Operations.
• Identifies, recommends, reviews, and approves changes to process documentation, tools, templates, ensuring proper use by CO-PMO team.
• Leads in securing tools and information to enable optimal team performance.
• Works within high authority limits to deliver and execute on resource commitments.
• Manages large internal and external resources with competing demands and cross-functional intersections on large projects.
• Conducts recurring stakeholder analyses to formulate communication and change management plans.
• Ensures successful implementation of projects and processes.
• Recognizes and eliminates process waste.
• Manages closing activities, including final documentation and lessons learned.
• Develops and utilizes governance methodology, tools, and templates as defined by IT-PCC and CO-PMO.
• Oversees, monitors, and develops risk strategies for issues, risks, and action logs.
• Builds consensus among competing business goals with strong business knowledge.
• Demonstrates good commercial awareness and understanding of CNO.
• Presents business cases, project updates, and status reports to all impacted levels of the organization.
• Persuades and influences others, especially at senior levels within the function.
• Solves complex problems and plays a significant role in decision making.
• Draws from professional and technical expertise to influence decisions and deliver on strategic goals.
• Provides input to technical consultants for process upgrades, re-builds, or re-designs.
• Mentors, coaches, and trains team members; facilitates training delivery and develops materials.
• May supervise one or two direct reports assisting with project efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in management operations or 8 years related field or equivalent experience required.
• 7 years’ experience of related experience, with increasing responsibilities.
• Requires one or more of the following certifications and will acquire additional certifications within two years in this role: PMP, Lean, Six Sigma Green Belt, and/or Agile/Scrum Master preferred.
• Solid knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau.
• Extensive experience with Innotas/Project Server or similar tools.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio, and other business-related software.

Preferred Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent 12 years’ experience in related field preferred.
• Advanced knowledge with sales technology tools and processes preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and prioritization abilities with open phones lines.
• The ability to show strong customer service and etiquette over the phone, email and teams’ chat.
• Excellent relationship management and teamwork skills.
• Profound conflict and issue resolution capabilities.
• Collaborative and partnership-oriented mindset.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated mastery in at least one project management methodology and solid experience with all, including Agile, Lean (PDCA, DMAIC, Kaizen), Six Sigma, Waterfall, etc.
• A good understanding of the insurance industry and is aware of the latest market developments and changes.

Benefits

CNO Financial Group offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Performance-based bonus or sales incentive
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Short-term & long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off and 10 corporate holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Company-paid life insurance
• Mental & Financial Well-Being Resources

Pay Range

$98,000.00 - $147,000.00 Annual

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.